Movie Review: Cassandra's Dream
Cassandra's Dream lacks Woody Allen's traditional magic, but still succeeds as an exciting murder story
Writer/Director Woody Allen′s latest release, Cassandra′s Dream is a story that flows well.
There's plenty of suspense, and the twists and turns keep the viewer entertained. But this film lacks a special Woody Allen touch evident in his better works.
It doesn't match up to his 2005 release ″Matchpoint″, which is a compelling murder plot also set near London. Ultimately, I believe Cassandra′s Dream leads to a somewhat predictable and disappointing ending.
Overall this is good, but not great, Woody Allen material. It has its moments, and that's enough to merit a recommendation here.
Watching a new Woody Allen film is typically a special treat. He's one of the great writers of our time, and a living legend. We are lucky the 72 year-old artist remains active. His influence on American cinema will forever be recognized by the industry. At this particular screening for example, a preview was shown for the upcoming The Bank Job. It obviously borrows its story from Allen′s 2000 release Small Time Crooks. He maintains a rather loyal fan base. Either you like him or you don't, and that′s the way it's always been. I happen to like him.
Ewan McGregor (Ian) and Colin Farrell (Terry) are brothers in search for better lives. Terry fixes cars while Ian runs his father′s restaurant. Ian wants to invest in L.A. hotels, drive fancy cars, and cater to his actress/girlfriend Angela (Hayley Atwell). He′s absolutely crazy about her. When Uncle Howard (Tom Wilkinson) visits, the brothers ask him for financial help. Terry needs money to settle a huge gambling debt, and Ian needs money for the hotel investment. Uncle Howard also happens to have connections in the entertainment industry, which could benefit Angela. Turns out, the uncle is being investigated and there′s a potential star witness named Martin Burns, who could put him away for good. He convinces the boys that Burns must be killed, and the brothers are the only ones to do it. After all, Uncle Howard has always been there when they needed help. He assures them that if they succeed, they won′t be sorry. Ian and Terry′s dreams of a more prosperous life can come true, once they get rid of Martin Burns.
Most Woody Allen films feature a character resembling Woody Allen, even when Allen also has an acting role. Edward Norton in 1996's Everyone Says I Love You and Jason Biggs in 2003's Anything Else come to mind. In Cassandra′s Dream, there are Woody Allen mannerisms in both McGregor and Farrell′s characters. Both actors have a nice chemistry in this picture. Tom Wilkinson, who was up for a best supporting Oscar for 2007's Michael Clayton, also adds real substance to his role as the uncle.
Cassandra's Dream is the name the brothers give their boat. This movie is all about pursuing dreams, but we′re foolish to expect things go exactly as planned. As Angela says in one scene, Life is anything, if not totally ironic.